Hockey Olympic Qualifier: Out of our hands but Sarjit and Co not giving up yet

The national hockey team’s fate in the ongoing Olympic qualifying tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, is no longer in their own hands.

Even if Malaysia were to win their remaining two matches – against Switzerland today and Japan on Saturday – a draw between Germany and the hosts today will spell the end for Sarjit Singh’s men.

That’s because Germany and Japan are tied on nine points each from three matches. Malaysia are next with four points and our men have an inferior goal difference compared to the hosts.

But, for now, Sarjit and his men will do what they have to do in the hope of reaching the final.

“We will take it one match at a time, meaning we will go all out to collect full points against Switzerland,” Sarjit said in a telephone interview yesterday.

“We have to make full use of the chances that come our way if we hope to get better of Switzerland. I am concerned with the forward line as they have not been playing to their true form in the tournament.

“They have to rise to the occasion and start delivering the goals.”

There are five forwards in the team but only Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin has scored two goals – both in the opening match against Poland, which Malaysian won 2-1.

The other forwards are skipper Azlan Misron, Chua Boon Huat, Ismail Abu and S. Selvaraju.

He added that they couldn’t afford to make the same mistakes they made when they drew 4-4 against Italy on Sunday.

Sarjit was livid with the forwards for giving away the ball too often and missing several good scoring chances.

“Although Switzerland are lying bottom of the table without a point after three matches, we cannot take them lightly,” said Sarjit.

Former national skipper S. Kuhan, who skipped the match against Germany because of a groin injury, will be back for the match against Switzerland.

Sarjit said Kuhan’s return would help steady the backline and provide an alternative to their penalty corner set pieces.

“The pressure is on us to win both our matches and I hope we can do it,” said Sarjit, who took the boys out for a game of baseball yesterday to help them relax before today’s crunch match against Switzerland.